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Mayoral events provide vibrant welcomes to students in their regions
Last month we shared some of the wonderful images that New Zealand schools, universities, PTEs, Te Pūkenga and English Language Schools shared with ENZ as they welcomed their new students for 2024. This month we are sharing details and images from the Mayoral welcomes that some of our regions have held for their visiting international students.
Thank you for adding to our diversity and vibrancy!
More than 40 international students were greeted by Whanganui District Council Mayor, Andrew Tripe, at a special Mayoral welcome to the community on Monday 8 April.
Speaking to the students from countries including Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Germany, China, India Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam, the Mayor thanked them for choosing Whanganui and adding to the “diversity and vibrancy of our community”.
The students attending had enrolled in both secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the district such as Whanganui High School, UCOL Whanganui and the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.
Formal greeting over, the Mayor was rushed by students seeking a special ‘selfie moment’ to share with families and social media.
A group of Brazilian international students attending Whanganui High School take up the opportunity of a photo with the Whanganui District Council Mayor, Andrew Tripe.
Similar levels of excitement were seen in Hamilton where the Mayor of Hamilton, Paula Southgate and local performance groups welcomed approximately 250 new international students to the Waikato region. The welcome event was held at the Pā, University of Waikato and is the first welcome since the Covid-19 pandemic put these events on hold.
Mayor Paula Southgate providing the official welcome to the Waikato’s approximately 250 international students.
Faymie Li, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s Senior Advisor Student Experience said, “I was deeply honoured to witness this significant event and see how we demonstrate manaakitanga to our international students.
“The diverse cultures we embrace in Aotearoa is truly something to cherish and celebrate. It was wonderful to see so many school students attending the ceremony, offering them a unique student experience they don't typically encounter.”
Jiabao Zhao (Boa), a former international student who completed a Bachelor of Management Studies with First Class Honours at the University of Waikato, shared a message of encouragement with the students. Boa’s advice for new students was: to study hard but also “talk to and meet students from outside your country. It’s easy to remain in your comfort zone but that is not the point of studying abroad. Network and build your presence”.
Former University of Waikato International Student sharing a message of encouragement to the new international students.
She also reminded students to take care of both their physical and mental health. There will be challenges but also great opportunities, and her own study and career journey is testament to that. She now works as an International Sales Operation Executive at Prolife Foods Ltd in Hamilton.
A handful of the 250 students who travelled to the Pā at the University of Waikato, for the international student welcome.
Also in March, nearly 100 international students received a fine welcome centered on the theme of connection, by Timaru District Mayor, Nigel Bowen. The Timaru District will be home to students from Japan, China, Germany, Thailand, South Korean, Hong Kong, Macau, Fiji, Philippines, Brazil and Poland, and more over the course of this year. You can read about this welcome in the Stuff article here - Nearly 100 international students welcomed to Timaru | Stuff.
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From the Acting Chief Executive: A lot to be proud of
Tēnā koutou katoa
Earlier this month a New Zealand business publication ran a column that challenged the role of international education in delivering our Government’s objective of double the export earnings. As you might expect, I could not let the challenge go unanswered. You can read the full response on the ENZ website, but I thought there was merit in highlighting a couple of the key points along with some of the excerpts as they provide a good summary of the state of international education in New Zealand today.
The first point I made in my response confirmed that students are returning. We recently published the Ministry of Education’s enrolment data for 2023 (part-year) which firmly backed this up.
“Students are returning to New Zealand. In the first eight months of 2023 international student enrolments topped 59,000 with all sectors experiencing growth except wānanga. Accepting that it is from a low base, comparing 2023 to 2022, Universities have bounced back strongly reporting a 15% increase from 24,040 to 27,535.“
“In the first eight months of 2023 English Language Schools saw the greatest percentage increase in international enrolments, increasing by 347% from 1,565 to 7,001. Schools reported a 114% increase from 5,925 to 12,662. NZIST Te Pūkenga, a 32% increase from 4,955 to 6,560 and Private Training Establishments (funded and unfunded), a 13% increase from 5,000 to 5,671.”
Of these enrolments, students from India continue to provide the second highest number of enrolments in New Zealand. In recognition of our valued partnership, I am delighted to announce that the Republic of India will headline as Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA 2024.
The designation of Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA celebrates our international education connections with partner countries and I am pleased that we can celebrate the growing education connections between our two countries in this way. You can read more about this announcement along with a call for speakers in our E-News story here.
The second point from my response that I would like to reiterate is that: We have a plan and the sector is working together to deliver.
I highlighted that “The New Zealand International Education Strategy, revised in 2022, sets out a multi-year action plan to develop a high-value, resilient and innovative education sector for both international and domestic students. Further the new Government’s manifesto made clear their vision and priorities for international education. “
“I can also assure you that the sector is working together to achieve its goals, that all eight universities participated in a recent ENZ-led delegation to India, is just one example of the co-operation.”
It was very timely that I then received a wonderful note of appreciation from a Dunedin City Councillor this week for the work of the many people within ENZ and the sector involved with the recent Korean agent famil. This was further evidence that we are working collaboratively as a sector and delivering benefits to the international education ecosystem and our regions.
Councillor Christine Garey said “The input from ENZ has helped over the years to establish and maintain an international education ecosystem in the city. It’s encouraged transitions between school and tertiary education and supported a strong growth agenda with increased higher quality students staying longer.
However, of particular benefit has been access to inbound/outbound famils and delegations. ENZ’s support in bringing agents to our city has been especially valuable and allowed us to showcase what Ōtepoti, Dunedin has to offer. There is no replacement for this in person experience and we look forward to these visits continuing to rebuild relationships globally.
Study Dunedin and the international education ecosystem are in good heart here in Ōtepoti Dunedin, working collaboratively and effectively. We look forward to ENZ’s continuing support and especially, we warmly look forward to welcoming future famils to our city.”
Keep up the great work, everyone.
He manawa tītī
Endurance is a virtue that cannot be understated.
Dr Linda Sissons
Acting Chief Executive
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India to feature as Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA
The Country of Honour designation at NZIEC KI TUA celebrates New Zealand’s international education connections with partner countries and reflects one of the conference’s key values – hononga (connections).
ENZ’s Acting Chief Executive, Dr Linda Sissons, said ENZ is delighted to headline India at NZIEC KI TUA and build on the strong foundation of international education connections with partners in the country.
“Students from India are the second-largest group studying with New Zealand. We are enriched by the skills and research know-how that Indian students bring to our country. New Zealand has a number of valuable institutional and government-level partnerships that make for a strong, bilateral education relationship with India.
“We look forward to showcasing and celebrating these connections at NZIEC KI TUA 2024.”
ENZ’s Regional Director Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, said having India feature as Country of Honour is a valuable opportunity for the international education sector to contribute to the conference programme with sessions that surface insights and learnings focused on India.
“New Zealand and India have such a broad education relationship, from student recruitment and student experience to partnerships on an institutional and governmental level. There’s much to surface and share by way of insights to continue forging our strong education ties.
“We look forward to collaborating with our sector colleagues to deliver a conference programme that showcases these connections and explores new partnerships moving forward.”
NZIEC KI TUA delegates can look forward to programme elements that explore and surface insights from New Zealand’s international education connections with India and also experience a few cultural delights during conference.
ENZ General Manager International, Lisa Futschek, and IIM Ahmedabad Director Prof Bharat Bhaskar sign an education cooperation arrangement during the NZ India Education Connect initiative in February.
Call for speaker proposals
ENZ is accepting speaker proposals for NZIEC KI TUA 2024. We welcome inspiring and engaging presenters on any topic relating to international education, especially our connections and partnerships with India.
Please submit your proposals by 30 April on this link.
Don’t miss earlybird registration pricing
Secure your earlybird registration price for NZIEC KI TUA 2024. There are two-day and one-day registration options available, alongside tickets to a gala dinner.
To find out more information about becoming an NZIEC KI TUA 2024 partner, email us nziec@enz.govt.nz
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New Zealand star of the show in leading Brazilian international education magazine
In late April, the Consulate-General of New Zealand in São Paulo welcomed professionals from the international education sector for the launch of Belta's magazine ei – International Education. The event served to celebrate New Zealand as the magazine's feature country and was attended by government officials and Brazilians who studied in New Zealand institutions and now hold prominent positions in their professional fields.
Belta (Brazilian Language and Travel Association) brings together the leading Brazilian agencies offering travel programmes focused on international education. Agents associated with Belta are recognised for the safety and excellence of the services they provide to students.
The New Zealand delegation from Universities New Zealand, composed of representatives from five of the country's eight universities, and CAPES LATAM were present at the Consulate for the magazine launch event during their stay in Brazil for strategic meetings at FAUBAI 2024, Brazil's largest conference focusing on higher education.
ENZ’s Bruna Natale with the delegates from New Zealand.
Belta's publication is a quality reference for those seeking information about studying abroad. It is published annually and serves as a guide for those interested in experiencing international education. It is distributed at exchange fairs, travel agencies, and schools throughout the year. This is the third time that Belta's magazine has featured New Zealand's international education on its cover.
The guests were welcomed by the Ambassador of New Zealand in Brazil, Richard Prendergast, the market development manager of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) in Brazil, Bruna de Natale, and Belta's president, Alexandre Argenta.
"Aotearoa New Zealand is open to Brazilian students, offering excellent education, institutions that prepare for future challenges, and a great quality of life, with safe cities and a friendly population," said Ambassador Prendergast at the event's opening.
Guests watch Ambassador Richard Prendergast’s speech.
Bruna de Natale states, "Highlighting New Zealand education in Belta's magazine is essential for Brazilians to be aware of the quality of education offered in Aotearoa New Zealand." Bruna also emphasises that "the magazine directly engages with the audience interested in studying abroad, reaching exchange fairs and agencies from all regions of Brazil, so it is a strategic visibility for positioning the quality of New Zealand education."
Representatives from exchange agencies who attended the reception conversed with members of the Universities New Zealand delegation and Brazilians who had studied in New Zealand.
"We have strong connections with Latin America in general, and especially with Brazil, but we want to strengthen and expand these partnerships," said Bronwen Kelly, Deputy Chief Executive of Universities New Zealand. Participating in strategic events, like today's launch and the FAUBAI conference, is a significant step towards bringing our institutions closer together and paving the way for academic exchange," Bronwen added.
In addition to Alexandre Argenta, Maura Leão, Director of International Relations at Belta, attended the event. Both were in New Zealand in March on a familiarisation trip organised by ENZ to introduce the country as an education destination.
"I've just returned from a fantastic experience in New Zealand," said Maura Leão during the event. "It's a country with many wonderful opportunities for students. I visited schools, universities, English language schools, and high schools. The experience was very positive. For us who work in education, it's essential to have this opportunity to share impressions with families who want to send their children to study abroad," said the executive.
The online version of the magazine can be found here: Revista ei! 2024 by Associação Belta - Issuu
Bruna de Natale with Belta’s International Relations Director, Maura Leão.
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Celebrating Dame Wendy Pye, a global education publishing success story
New Zealand has a proud history of educational publishing success and Dame Wendy Pye DNZM MBE is the epitome of this, being one of New Zealand’s leading educational publishing exporters. Dame Wendy is sharing her story in her recently launched autobiography: Teaching the World to Read: My multi-million dollar story and podcast series.
From humble beginnings growing up in Western Australia, Dame Wendy moved to New Zealand to work as a journalist before embarking on her dream to teach the world to read. She founded Sunshine Books 40 years ago and has since sold 300 million books, positively influencing the lives of many children worldwide.
Dame Wendy with just some of the hundreds of Sunshine books that have helped young children learn to read.
During her extraordinary journey Dame Wendy has gone from attending book fairs with just a handful of books, through providing resources to refugee camps in Lebanon, to working with world leaders. Her reputation for helping to develop young children’s literacy skills has earned her numerous awards including being awarded the Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for services to business and education.
Dame Wendy at the Bologna book fair in 1989.
Throughout her publishing career, Dame Wendy has pioneered the development of new, exciting, engaging print and digital literacy materials. The Sunshine Online digital programme, for example, contains thousands of texts and activities and was recently included in the New South Wales Department of Education Online Learning Tools Marketplace, which provides quality online learning to all New South Wales schools.
Dame Wendy with school children using the Sunshine Online digital programme
Dame Wendy’s export story is as much about selling New Zealand as a leader in education teaching and learning pedagogy, as it is about selling educational products and services. Her book and podcast series offer an honest and candid account of the highs, lows, and tough truths of a pioneering entrepreneur. In her book, Dame Wendy talks about some of the challenges she faced, what she learned and how she overcame barriers, while the podcasts include export market guides including hints and tips for success that she has learnt along the way when working in the United Kingdom, South Africa, China and Australia.
Dame Wendy hopes that her autobiography will inspire, educate and entertain.
“This is a story about what is possible. It is a story that I hope will inspire all young people who are planning to make a difference to follow their dreams, not to be afraid of failures along the way, and also to celebrate successes with the people who have made them possible,” said Dame Wendy.
With New Zealand publishers and educators in such demand, our small country has made a large impact in the world of education publishing in more than 60 countries around the world.
This thriving industry is represented by PANZ, Publishers Association of New Zealand Te Rau o Tākupu, and is showcased on the New Education Publishers website that was sponsored by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao and Copyright Licensing New Zealand.You can learn more about New Zealand Publishers or get in touch with them via the New Zealand Educational Publishers (nzeducationalpublishers.org) website.
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Message from Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Penny Simmonds
It’s good to reflect on ENZ’s New Zealand International Education Strategy (NZIES), “to enable a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class international education.”
I am delighted to say that with the increase in the numbers of overseas students we are on track to deliver on that strategy.
There have been 59,306 international student enrolments for Jan - August 2023, a 43% increase compared to the full year in 2022.
And New Zealanders' understanding of the economic and social benefits of international students was reflected in a survey late in December 2023 by Ipsos which showed 75% percent of New Zealanders believe that overseas students benefit New Zealand. This is up from 47% in 2019.
An increase in the number of international students from all over the world is positive as it brings in vital revenue for institutions and the country, but it also has the spinoff of creating a wonderful cosmopolitan element to campus life.
New Zealand is a small country and for many students, rubbing shoulders with people from other cultures will give them a greater understanding of the issues facing our complex world. In this time of fragile geopolitics, the melting pot of campus life can help build greater understanding and tolerance.
In turn Kiwi students also can be champions for our own country as they share their knowledge, experience and friendship with the overseas students.
The quality education that our institutions provide also enhances our global society by upskilling and educating all students to take on international work opportunities which inevitably spreads New Zealand’s values and influence throughout our world.
Hon Penny Simmonds
Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills -
Around the world in five
United Kingdom
UK: student visas down as dependent applications plummet
The UK Home Office has published data showing a large decline in student dependent applications since new legislation was introduced at the beginning of this year, as well as a fall in student visa applications.Australia
The Australian government has announced a legislative package with a series of new measures for the country’s international education sector. The measures include a cap on new international student enrolments, a prohibition on education providers holding ownership positions in education agencies, a ban on agent commissions for onshore student transfers, and more stringent oversight of education providers and agents alike.
India
Record immigration is colliding with housing crises across the world
India Times is reporting that countries like Canada and Australia are reevaluating their immigration policies to address the pressures on housing affordability and sustain economic growth.
United States
Agents worried over high US visa rejections for African students
International education actors in Africa are uniting with their US partners and activists to call on the study destination’s government to ‘rethink’ visa policies for African students.
SEA
Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand rise in THE Asia rankings
India has overtaken China as the second-most represented country in the Times Higher Education Asia University rankings 2024, with 91 universities compared with the neighbouring nation’s 86 institutions.
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Insights Accelerator - 3 things for 30 minutes for PTE and ELS providers
The goal of the Insights Accelerator sessions is to offer concise information and insights to support our PTE and ELS providers. By focusing on three things within 30 minutes, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) hopes to efficiently deliver useful takeaways while being mindful of busy schedules.
ENZ’s General Manager, Sector Engagement and Innovation, Wendy Kerr said that two Insights Accelerator sessions have been held so far and were well received by attendees.
“My team is constantly reviewing ways we can better engage with the sector and add greater value. With this platform, we hope that we can support providers in their strategic planning endeavours through the sharing of useful information about our services, as well as market insights.
“These sessions also provide an avenue for us to understand more about our customers. We will be hosting more of these sessions in the coming months so please keep an eye out for the invitation”, added Wendy.
For the launch session, Nick Sinclair, ENZ’s Global Brand Manager presented on the international advertising campaign: Learn New Every Day, and talked about the campaign rationale, channels and target markets, and campaign assets as well as where and how the sector can use these.
In the second Insights Accelerator, ENZ’s Director Insights Marie Clark presented information on ENZ Intellilab, including 2023 Ministry of Education Student Enrolment Data. Marie shared how providers can access Intellilab and the range of information available. The session also looked at the survey findings from the 2023 New Zealanders’ perceptions of the value of international education research and 2023 International Students Experience research.
If anyone missed the sessions, the slide pack and presentation can be accessed via the links below.
For further information, please contact Jane Yang, ENZ Business Development Manager – jane.yang@enz.govt.nz
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Tokyo Board of Education seeks NZ education providers for Masterclass promotional opportunity
The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education (BoE) is one of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s (ENZ) education cooperation arrangement partners in Japan. The BoE is currently looking for 1-2 New Zealand education providers to provide online classes for their Virtual Study Abroad session, part of the Tokyo English Channel.
These classes are designed to provide Tokyo secondary school students with the opportunity to connect with education providers from around the world, including New Zealand. During these sessions, students are exposed to new ways of thinking from lecturers while interacting and enhancing their communication skills in English with other international participants. The deadline to submit an expression of interest (EOI) is Tuesday 29 May COB NZT.
ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager, Misa Kitaoka, said that this opportunity gives New Zealand providers a chance to promote themselves to a wide audience that includes high school students in Japan learning English as a second language as well as a larger audience of English-speaking students from Australia, Canada, Egypt, Finland, France, Indonesia, Jordan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, UAE, and Viet Nam.
“This is a great opportunity for Education New Zealand and New Zealand providers to work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education to co-develop educational materials for a significant number of Japanese secondary school students. In 2023, the BoE Virtual Study Abroad pages received 840,000 views.
“Lecture videos will include promotional materials from your institution and will be publicly accessible on the BoE website after the Virtual Study Abroad Session,” said Misa.
Screenshot of the BoE website which hosted Massey University classes in 2022. The videos can be accessed via this link.
The online lectures will contain:
1. Two pre-class videos: Introduction of the lecture theme and discussion topics of approximately 5 minutes each. The pre-recorded videos will be streamed on the Virtual Study Abroad website for students to watch before participating in the actual lecture.
2. Actual lecture: Delivered online via Zoom or other video conference system on 14 October or 4 November 2024. The lecture contains:
- A two-minute school promotion (pre-recorded video)
- Lecture Part One. Presentation from the lecturer (10 minutes)
- 20 minutes of group discussion
- A 10-minute presentation by students
- Lecture Part Two. Presentation from the lecturer (10 minutes)
- 20 minutes of group discussion
- A 10-minute presentation by students
- A five-minute wrap up
The event overview and EOI requirements can be found in this document: Tokyo English Channel_Virtual Study Abroad_Lecture Themes and Event Outline.pdf.
Interested parties can submit their EOI by completing this online form: https://forms.office.com/r/U544y9CQ7D
Selection Criteria includes:
- Lecture Theme: Is the lecture theme relevant to New Zealand or the New Zealand-Japan relationship?
- Abstract: Does the abstract clearly show New Zealand’s capability or strengths in the selected topic?
- Audience: Is the lecture abstract engaging and interesting for the target audience of high school students?
The timeline for the EOI process is as follows:
Timeline:
- 31 May: ENZ submits the New Zealand finalists to Tokyo BoE
- 28 June: NZ finalists confirm the lecture title and abstract with Tokyo BoE
- 30 August: NZ finalists work with Tokyo BoE nominated vendor to record pre-lectures
- 30 August: NZ finalists provide school/institution promotion video* to Tokyo BoE
*School/institution promotion video doesn’t have to be recorded for this purpose. The school/institution can provide their existing videos e.g. already on YouTube, etc.
14 October or 4 November: Participate in online event
Examples from past event can be found via these links:
Questions about the Tokyo English Channel can be sent to ENZ’s Japan team at Japan@enz.govt.nz.
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International education front and centre during Prime Minister’s trade mission to SEA
From 14 to 20 April, New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon led a delegation of New Zealand business and government leaders to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Included in the delegation was Tracey Bridges, Board Chair of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), who joined a small group of education sector representatives, as well as other New Zealand Inc partners, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and New Zealand Story.
ENZ’s offshore teams based in Singapore and Thailand played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the international education events, ensuring international education was front and centre throughout the visit.
Tracey said that it was pleasing to see that our sector received significant attention throughout the visit and that it played an important part in the New Zealand export story.
“Being part of this delegation gave ENZ the opportunity to reinforce the significant economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic value that international education brings to New Zealand.
“It was also a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening bilateral relations. The delegation particularly enjoyed meeting so many New Zealand alumni and hearing how their New Zealand education has had a profound impact on their personal and professional success,” added Tracey.
Positive attention on our sector was achieved from the start when Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas signed an Enhanced Collaboration Agreement with Singapore’s PSB Academy’s Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah. This collaboration is a first for a New Zealand university and marks a significant expansion beyond traditional offshore teaching partnerships.
From Singapore, the delegation moved on to Thailand, where ENZ facilitated further international education events. Massey University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) under the Thai Ministry of Education. Under the MoU, Massey University in collaboration with ENZ will host in-market English training workshops for more than 100 Thai teachers under the supervision of OBEC in June 2023. This took place during a joint press conference at the Thai Government House, witnessed by the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
ENZ Thailand, in partnership with Rajamagala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), then hosted New Zealand Member of Parliament Mr. Paulo Garcia, along with 27 delegates at the RMUTP campus for several cultural performances and tours. Later that afternoon, the ENZ Thailand team hosted a New Zealand Alumni Network event inviting the education representatives on the delegation, media representatives and 25 alumni who have all made substantial contributions to the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Thailand.
ENZ’s Regional Director Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes said that Prime Minister Luxon engaged enthusiastically with the alumni and was able to see first-hand the role that international education plays in strengthening people-to-people connections around the world.
“During this event Prime Minister Luxon presented the Distinguished Service Awards to acknowledge the New Zealand Alumni Association in Thailand and the invaluable support it gives to international education.
“In addition to this Award, the Prime Minister presented an Eminent Alumni Award to a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to furthering bilateral ties between our two countries,” said Ben.
The Thai leg of the itinerary finished with a cocktail reception commemorating the Prime Minister’s visit. Over 400 guests representing various New Zealand Inc agencies, key local stakeholders from government agencies, educational institutions, private corporations, and education agents attended the event, reinforcing the close education ties between New Zealand and Thailand.
Lastly, the delegation travelled to the Philippines which for many members was their first visit. The time was effectively used here to engage with a number of ENZ’s key stakeholders invited to New Zealand Inc engagements across the programme.
At the close of the trip, Prime Minister Luxon said "the commercial announcements and deals between the delegation on the trip and counterparts in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines represent the growth of long-term, strategic partnerships.
"These relationships bind our countries closer together and deliver increased prosperity for all those involved."
